German Election Study, November 1961 (ICPSR 7101)

This is the third in a series of three studies that
surveyed independent national samples both before and after the 1961
election in the Federal Republic of Germany. There were two
pre-election studies, conducted in July and September (see ICPSR 7099
and ICPSR 7100), and one post-election study carried out in November
and December. The present study began by asking the respondents to
assess their present and future economic situations, as well as the
future economic situation of the Federal Repu... (more info)

This is the third in a series of three studies that
surveyed independent national samples both before and after the 1961
election in the Federal Republic of Germany. There were two
pre-election studies, conducted in July and September (see ICPSR 7099
and ICPSR 7100), and one post-election study carried out in November
and December. The present study began by asking the respondents to
assess their present and future economic situations, as well as the
future economic situation of the Federal Republic. Scalometers were
used to evaluate the major political figures of 1961 and the three
major political parties. Further questions inquired about recent
changes in party evaluations and the respondent's characterization of
the CDU/CSU, SPD, and FDP. Questions investigating the respondent's
voting behavior in the 1961 election and long-term voting history were
also included. Another series of items inquired about the perceived
source of campaign funding for each party and the respondent's opinion
of various financing alternatives. Demographic data cover age, sex,
marital status, religious preference, education, employment status,
occupation, and income.

The 1,715 respondents were weighted to 1715.4 to
correct for sex and age biases in the sample. The weight variable
(Variable 3), constructed by comparing the age by sex
distribution of the sample with the census distribution, produces a
representative sample of the population.

Universe:
Citizens, aged 15 and older, of the Federal Republic of
Germany, including West Berlin, who lived in private households and
were registered in the community central registry of inhabitants
("Einwohnermeldekartei").

Data Types:
survey data

Data Collection Notes:

The 1,715 respondents were weighted to 1715.4 to
correct for sex and age biases in the sample. The weight variable
(Variable 3), constructed by comparing the age by sex
distribution of the sample with the census distribution, produces a
representative sample of the population.

This study was conducted by DIVO-Institut, Frankfurt, Germany.

Methodology

Sample:
A stratified, multistage, random sampling procedure was
utilized in this study. The sample was drawn in three stages: first,
the sampling points were designated, then households were chosen
within each sampling point, and finally, individuals were selected
within each household. The sampling frame included two elements of the
population who were generally not eligible to vote in federal
elections: residents of West Berlin and citizens younger than 21 years
of age. A filter variable (Variable 4) was constructed for an
analysis of the eligible electorate. The definition of the population
excluded persons living in group quarters, institutional populations,
and people with no place of residence.